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Page 119
pasture or served as windbreaks on the crests of the knolls flamed gold and crimson. The stubble of the reaped grain, a softer gold, lay thick on the winter fields. Roselynde was very rich. Not only was the land fertile, but it had been fortunate in a succession of good masters.
The burned-out farm buildings were an offense against the good management and tranquillity. Ian flushed a trifle with anger when his eyes fell upon them, but he checked his flare of temper. It was not really senseless or wanton destruction. There was spite in it, but spite directed by intelligence. Ian had a glimmering of an idea. He could not permit himself to develop a hatred or rage against the perpetrator of this outrage until the man was in his hands and his motivesaside from the obvious ones of a need for foodhad been examined.
The attacks on Alinor's land might be the result of a mistake. By and large, only the properties of King John's favorties were still as prosperous as the Roselynde estate. Those whom John did not love were taxed and fined until even good landlords were forced to squeeze their serfs and tenants. Roselynde's freedom from excessive charges was owing to several diverse causes, but not to John's love. Simon had been deeply beloved of John's mother, who had not died until 1204, and the king had remained sufficiently in awe of that mighty woman to leave her favorite in peace. After 1204 John had been too busy with incipient revolt in England and military reverses in Normandy to bother with Alinor and her husband.
All taxes and demands had risen, of course, and many who were not prepared could not meet those demands even when no special fines were added. This problem also did not touch Roselynde. Alinor kept her own books and her own secrets. There was no one who knew what Alinor's revenues were, except Alinor herself. Moreover, the land was only a small share of her

 
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